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Hy's Encore
Category: Restaurants Steakhouses Steakhouses
637 Hornby StreetVancouver, BC V6C 2G3
Neighbourhood: Downtown
(604) 683-7671
- Price Range:
-
$$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Valet
- Attire:
- Dressy
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Good for Kids:
- No
- Takes Reservations:
- Yes
- Delivery:
- No
- Take Away:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Good For:
- Dinner
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Noise Level:
- Quiet
- Ambience:
- Intimate
- Has TV:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
48 reviews for Hy's Encore
Review Highlights
"Hands down, the best steak I have ever eaten."
(in 10 reviews)
"The 'Only' New York Strip - the steak itself was delicious..."
(in 1 review)
"...Caesar salads were made table side and they were delicious."
(in 7 reviews)
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48 reviews in English
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Review from Liz M.
Vancouver, BC
1/28/2012
Hy's Encore is Vancouver's original, old-school restaurant with an English Gentleman's Club atmosphere. Let me begin by saying, I go here when I DON'T want to be seen. I consider this place my private hideaway. Somehow, they have managed to arrange the dining room so that you enjoy a sense of privacy. And you'll love this place if you're an Anglophile. Wood paneling and oil paintings of long-dead noblemen complete the atmosphere. If find yourself longing for a touch of BBC England or Masterpiece Theatre, then linger here for supper.
I always have the fresh oysters on the half shell ($15.95), black and blue Ahi tuna appy ($13.95), caesar salad ($10.95) which is prepared tableside and divine, and the Atlantic lobster tails ($51.95). I'm also crazy about the Oysters Rockefeller ($16.95) and often order those, as well. I realize this is all seafood, but that's my thing. The steaks are probably the best in town, but I've found what I love and never change my order.
This place is a gem, so please don't go here, because I want it all to myself! -
Review from Pauline C.
Vancouver, BC
2/11/2012
I have never noticed this restaurant and had thought that it was an extension of the church on the other side of the street. Boy, did I miss a real good place for steak until I did some researching to find a good steak restaurant to take the bf out for his birthday dinner. He's not a huuuge fan of steak but I've heard him said that he's always wanted to try Gotham, which is owned by Hy's Encore Steakhouse. The reason why I chose Hy's (I've never been to Gothams but that's on my to-do list) was from my colleague's experiences. Compared to Gotham's (which is trendier), they said that it is a unique experience as it's more old-school and it feels like you're in eating in castle when you're there. I thought HECK, let's try this place and so we did.
My colleague warned me about bringing a flashlight because it's quite dark at Hy's. There were certain corners that were lightly dimmed and we were seated near the back near the grill. This area was a bit brighter compared to other areas in the restaurant. And I did see many waiters and waitresses with flashlights just so if customers have a hard time reading the menu...
We ordered the Cheese Toast for Two. I heard that when it arrives, you had to take the foil off so the toast doesn't get soggy. When it arrived, I saw how much cheese there was and thought to myself "I wonder how many calories this toast contains..." but still, I ate it anyway. It was deliciously mouth-watering piece of toast...it just melted in my mouth. I only ate two as I felt like I was starting to get full. I needed to save room for my entree and salad.
We also ordered the caesar salad which Hy's staff performed in front of us. I really enjoyed the salad even though the dressing was mixed in with the salad. Normally, I like to have dressing on the side because sometimes restaurants put loads and loads of dressing which isn't the healthiest and this could prevent you from tasting the natural flavors of your salad (you don't want to be eating dressing only). The caesar salad was made fresh; the romaine lettuce was crispy and crunchy. The croutons were light and crunchy...it wasn't stale or crunchy hard. It was garlicky and just superb.
The bf ordered the Cajun Rib Steak (panfried with Hy's cajun seasoning) while I had the Filet A La Hy's (medallions of beef tenderloin sautéed with wild mushroom sauce). The bf's steak was flavorful and juicy but it was a little oily and fatty for me while the beef tenderloin that I had was quite pleasing. When we finished eating, the server surprised the bf with a bourbon chocolate cake (which I had been informed was the least sweet cakes compared to other options). It was tooth-sweet to my liking. This didn't tickle my taste buds. But hey, I can't complain as they placed this dessert on the house.
Overall, I enjoyed the experience and see myself coming to this restaurant again. -
Review from Herman E.
11/24/2011
How many of you remember, or heard of Hy's at the Sands, or Hy's Mansion? How many of you have been to either one? :)
Hy's is a Vancouver institution when it comes to high end steak houses.
So why the 4 stars? They do make good steaks, and for the value, it is better than Gothams (both owned by same person). Likely, they both source the meat from the same place but the marketing, branding and target market is different. Hy's is a lot more conservative and refined, if I can use that word. Gothams is more towards the modern and trendy crowd. At Hy's you get the same thing as Gothams, but at a lower price point.
The inside decor is like an old boy's club. Old English maybe is the best way to describe it. Similar to Gerard Lounge at the Sutton Place Hotel.
Have the cheese toast. It's deadly. -
Review from Warren M.
10/4/2011
Probably the second best steak I've ever had after Dicky Brennan's in New Orleans. Incredible, dark wood wainscoting and view of the kitchen added to atmosphere. Waiter was a classic. Good wine list with lots of local BC wines were a plus. And, it was even fairly priced. I mean, when's the last time you didn't have to pay extra for a baked potato at a steak house.
A GREAT EXPERIENCE! -
Review from Gina I.
Updated - 8/2/2011 1 Check-in Here
The best steak in the city, hands down (other than my kitchen of course!). Darcy & I shared a porterhouse (charred on the outside, rare on the inside). We got to sit at Jimmy Pattison's table in the corner with our friends & got birthday cheesecake for free!
Bonny is the best guy there. Only comes when you need something, and you don't even have to ask, he knows eye contact very well. And he makes the best tableside caesar salads I have ever tasted in my life.
Hy's is a treat for sure!1 Previous Review: Show all »
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8/19/2009
I took my boyfriend here last year for his birthday.. The cheese bread is awesome. We shared a… Read more »
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Review from Andrea C.
Vancouver, BC
8/26/2011
Love this place. So old school, hasn't changed at all since I was a kid. Don't mess around - order the steak and the cheese toast! Good wine list and great servers (professionals - not 18 year old girls from surrey). Super dark inside - fun when you come in from a sunny day outside and have to feel your way to the table!
I hope this place never changes!!! -
Review from Katy B.
7/12/2011
I really liked the atmosphere, it was the perfect date spot. Our Caesar salads were made table side and they were delicious. I had the filet and it was perfectly cooked. My boyfriend had the New York strip and seemed to enjoy it as well. We both ordered the twice baked potato. It was good, but kind of interesting. They bake it, whip it, and bake it again so it gets this crust on top. The weird part was that then they come to the table with the toppings and you have to kind of mash through the hard layer before they add the bacon, chives, etc. We also got a side of creamed spinach that was really yummy.
The service was almost TOO good. He hovered nearby and literally filled our water glasses with every sip we took. Then, when we didn't finish all our spinach and steaks, he seemed insulted we didn't want them to go (wasteful Americans!). But we weren't headed back to our hotel, we were headed out... A doggy bag wasn't an option!
Overall, I definitely recommend this place if you want a nice steak in a romantic/intimate atmosphere. Just remember to clean your plate ;-) -
Review from Kevir K.
North Vancouver, BC
4/19/2011
This is the second part of a five part evening. Part one is for the SoHo Cafe and Billiards.
We arrived five minutes early for our 7pm reservation and were seated immediately. Drinks were ordered and I was disappointed with their beer selection; I settled on a Heineken.
The appetizers were great. The server (I wish I could remember his name, but from a previous visit we had Blair serving us - he is the mother fucking man) wasn't bad and he recommended a lot of seafood. Unfortunately, I have a shellfish allergy and we went with two orders of cheese toast (the best I've _ever_ had) , oysters for the rest of the lads, and some ribs. I was pleased with what I could eat.
They were sold out of prime rib by 7:30 (we ordered our entrees before our appetizers hit the table) so I had the fillet mignon, stuffed potato, and onion rings. I don't think our entrees hit the kitchen's queue until after we finished the appetizers and were likely rushed. Even though I ordered the fillet medium, it came out charred on the outside and quite red on the inside. Definitely not up to what I would expect the Hy's standard to be. We were running short on time (our next stop was at 9:30 and the entrees didn't hit the table until 8:45), so I didn't bother with the complaint in the interest of keeping us on schedule.
I had to usher us past dessert . I had a ginger ale to settle my stomach (I suspect the steak didn't sit well with me since I've had more to drink in the past without any issues) and we were in cabs by 9:40. In my eyes, we spent nearly three hours for a meal that didn't live up to the bill.
This was my second visit to Hy's. I will give them another try since my first visit was spectacular, but if they have any misstep on the third try, I won't be coming back given their prices virtually guarantee perfection. Harsh? I think not; while I won't get their cheese toast, I consistently get the steak I want at The Keg for half the price.
Next part is the No. 5 Orange.Listed in: MJP's Stag
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Review from Darcy D.
1/23/2011
Every time I eat here, everything is prepared exactly the way I expect. There is never a misstep.
Our favourite server, Bonnie, has worked here 30 years. His service is perfect. He is undoubtedly the finest server in BC. We start with the Caesar salad. Bonnie makes it table side. I once asked him how many times he has made this salad; he answered "over 10,000 times". It is a freshly cracked egg, fresh lemon, fresh crushed garlic, fresh anchovy, olive oil, hand whipped with a fork, seasoned with salt, pepper, cheese and a dash of tobasco. I get faint just writing about it.
I order the filet charred outside and bloody inside. They do it perfectly everytime because the grill chef is a craftsman with an astonishingly hot and consistent grill.
The shoestring potatoes are perfect, like McDonalds which is gastronomie as far as I am concerned. Vegetable side dishes, creamed spinach, grilled mushrooms, onion rings are ample and satisfying.
The place has the atmosphere of the fancy restaurants I remember as a child in the 70's, all class and discretion. This is not a vulgar, obscene steakhouse to be seen at; this is a retreat for old money. Dark paneling, private booths, this is where you close your big deal one night, return the second night with your buddies to celebrate with stiff boozy cocktails, then return the third night to romance your woman. God, I love it.
It's worth every penny because I can't match at home the skill and consistency of the preparation, something that cannot be said about other premium steakhouses in this city. -
Review from Crystal H.
Vancouver, BC
2/6/2011 1 Check-in Here
The debate: The food is incredible. Every bite causes the same question: how'd they make it melt in your mouth like that? It's so good that I can't give it 3 stars. The service is exactly what my dad would love: old men bantering.
The side table Caesar is good, but dang does it leave some lethal breath. Be warned on date night. I had the special: medallions of beef tenderloin wrapped in bacon and served with a beautiful gravy, double stuffed potato (complete with all the fixings) and crisp veggies. It was well worth the $42 price tag. Especially since it also doubled as lunch the next day. Garlic bread is complimentary and delicious, I might even argue it's better to go with garlic toast than the cheese toast... so much richness.
Ambiance wise... It looks like the walls and carpet are the only things that haven't received a face lift recently. I won't lie, I felt like a wrongly cast extra in Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous. I wasn't prepared for the plasticized peoples mixing with old cash. All I'm missing is some watermelon sized boobies and my 1970's velour track suit. (feathering my bangs as I write).
This was my first time at Hy's... I've always had the impression that it was really overpriced. Turns out, for steak, it's pretty reasonable for the quality you get. If I could, I'd just ask for my steak to go. I could probably have a better party in my bathtub.
PS. Who are the dudes on the walls? Are they all Lords or Founding fathers? -
Review from tee a.
4/27/2011 1 Check-in Here
A breakdown of my meal:
The cheese toast: their signature.. it was ok.. it was a bit too soggy for my liking.
The caesar salad: wholly batman garlic! so tasty!
The steak: tender, the "hy sauce".. too tangy for me (I would recommend it without)
The prime rib: perfect, juicy, delish!
The onion rings: oh my.. yum!
The bourbon chocolate cake: fail :( -
Review from PT P.
10/10/2011 Seated via OpenTable
Awesome steak. Great staff :-)
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Review from beki L.
Vancouver, BC
4/21/2011 2 photos
Hands down, the best steak I have ever eaten. Ever.
The first time here, I had the prime rib and it was fantastic. Serious melt in your mouth like butter action.
Most recently, I came here to take my sweetheart to a romantic dinner for two. He also was super impressed with the quality of the food, service and atmosphere provided.
Dinner consisted of the filet neptune with a side baked potato and asparagus. The topping was real crab meat in a creamy sauce which didn't over power the delicate taste of the crab. As expected, the filet was cooked perfectly (medium) and again, melt in your mouth like butter.
I love how that they make the caesar salad right at table side.
The service is always amazing. Very attentive, exceptionally knowledgeable with menu items and wine pairings. The decor is classy yet not intimidating.
A great place to spoil someone to a fine dinner... -
Review from Garth C.
9/20/2010
Looking for a decent steakhouse then look no further!
Sure there are better steakhouses in the city but expect to pay a lot more. I feel Hy's has great food for the price. For the people that say it's too expensive, try going to the Keg, that might put things into perspective.
Needless the steak is great. Don't forget to order the cheese bread, they are like little pieces of food crack.
On top of the food the service is top notch and the atmosphere is straight out of an old mob movie. When I enter I have the urge to drink scotch and take up smoking a pipe and just sit near the bar with a red smoking jacket. Sure i don't smoke and nor do they allow smoking so perhaps a bubble pipe would suffice. -
Review from A E.
5/22/2011 2 Check-ins Here
Hy's Encore reminds me a lot of the nearby Gotham
http://www.yelp.ca/biz... , what with the dark interior and barely-there entrance sign (we walked by it a couple of times before realizing where it was).
The clientele definitely is the dressy kind - good thing I managed to scrunch up a wrinkle-free dress and stuff it into my hold-all for the weekend, or else I would feel severely underdressed.
But it didn't feel like they judge - quite the contrary, the hostess, server, and everyone else that helped us were so nice to us.
We got the cheese toast - after seeing a lot of mentions of this thing on Yelp, I am sad to report that it's a bit of an underwhelming experience. The cheese toast was really it - thick Texas toast with cheese, a bit soggy and oily.
Thankfully the rest of the meal was better. I was entertaining the idea of a surf-and-turf, but after a minor upset stomach and allergic reaction from the horrible lobster cheese melt at Glowbal earlier that day, I decided to stick with the NY cut (no sauce - I'm a purist) and a free (side) of double-baked potato.
The double-baked potato was excellent - it's like baked potato, only better - because the potato ended up having a texture similar to mashed potatoes and it comes with a bunch of decadent, heart-attack inducing toppings (sour cream + butter + chives + bacon + cheese).
The meal was capped off by (also possibly heart-attack inducing) banana fosters - caramelized banana, lots and lots of melted brown butter and vanilla bean ice-cream.
I'll just run twice my usual distance the next day :P -
Review from Josh G.
Vancouver, BC
9/21/2010 1 Check-in Here
Now that's a steak! I rated it 4 stars at first, but now that I think about the competition, I have to give Hy's 5 stars, how can you beat it in Vancouver? Seriously, I'm asking you, how do you beat Hy's, huh?!?
Every little detail screams an authentic, Chicago style, Al Capone could show up with a Tommy Gun at any moment, steakhouse. From the grande entrance with no signage, to the dimmly lit bar and brick hallway to the dining room, Hy's is as good as it gets.
My order, and it has been the same the last 20 times: A classic ceaser salad, made tableside by a Hy's ceaser Guru, an artery overloading plate of Hy's infamous cheesy garlic toast....you may try and replicate it, but it just aint happening....finally, the piece de resistance, the cow...with a bit of lobster on the side. The New York Strip and Lobster combo is just unbeatable. Put two of my favorite edible animals on a plate with some salt, pepper and garlic butter, and you have one happy, and extremely stuffed boy.
Granted, all that enjoyment set me back around $80, but so would any other Yelp worthy dinner joint in this city; and few will leave me as satiated, and ready for a raw-meat induced beautysleep, than Hy's.
If you havent been, you clearly dont care about steak, so don't bother. This place is for serious meatatarians, and not the ones from the Wendy's commercials. This is some serious fare from a serious joint; Hy's, I will always love thee. -
Review from Johnson C.
Vancouver, BC
Decor gets top marks - this is what a steakhouse should be: muted entrance, heavy doors, private booths, dim, woody and old money. Old school all the way with old school service. If the 'Three Wise Men' held court in Vancouver - it would be at Hy's. An old boy's club through and through. If the men here could vote for Bush, they would have.
We got a table by the kitchen, which has an open window to the grill - sizzling steak wafting through the room with bursts of flame interjecting. Good food porn to whet your appetite.
My meal:
- Manhattan - wow, that was a damned stiff drink. Fitting for the restaurant. ~$10
- Caesar salad - prepared table side - lots of garlic. Fresh and tasty. ~$10
- Cheese toast - okay, this was hyped up like crazy. It lived up to the hype for the most part. I would recommend eating it fast and pulling the tinfoil off ASAP - because the last few bites will get very soggy. But this is a must-order. ~$6
- 18 oz. The 'Only' New York Strip - the steak itself was delicious - thick-cut and oh-so-juicy. The downside is the signature Hy's steak sauce - it was bit too tangy/sour for my liking. But then again, I'm not much for steak sauce. But I ordered it since it was their signature dish - I would recommend sticking to the basics. Comes with a spud of your choice. ~$40.
- Beer on tap are Heineken (blech!) and Granville Island Pale Ale and an unimpressive assortment of bottled beers. As I said, this place is old school - best to stick with bourbon/wine. But I think a nice craft IPA would have really took the meal to another level. But I won't be holding my breath for this change.
Prices are actually quite reasonable considering the quality and service. It's only a bit more when comparing top cuts versus The Keg - and you'll have a better experience and food. And they don't nickel-and-dime on sides. And the most impressive part - they didn't tack on an auto-gratuity for our large group. I was going to generously tip for the stellar service anyways - but thanks for not forcing me into it.
I was floating at a 4-stars - but surprisingly, the value factor took it to a full 5 stars for me. I've had much shittier steaks in 'premier' steakhouse that costed more and wasn't as good.
Will be coming back next time I feel like an account needs cashing in... render unto Casear!Listed in: "You're the best! Around!"
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Review from Scott W.
8/6/2011 1 Check-in Here
One of the weirdest places I've been to! A Chinese owned steak house made to look like an English tavern. With that said the food was very good, and the wine selection was even better. Although my girlfriends steak was much better than mine, I really enjoyed mine just the same. The wait staff were friendly, but a little hard for me to understand. I would definitely go again next time I'm in Vancouver.
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Review from Adam G.
Edmonton, AB
9/16/2010
This is the quintessential downtown power-lunch locale. Steakhouse? Check. Central location in the financial district? Check. Dim lighting? Check. Plush interior? Check. Private dining booths perfect for making backroom deals? Check.
Small, strange, Gothic-looking standalone building overshadowed by modern office towers? Um, what?
Despite what some of the captains of industry and other oligarchs who dine here might have you believe, it's not the 19th century anymore (or the 13th, for that matter), but I suppose eating finely roasted meat, being waited on by a team of attentive servants, and insulating oneself in a fortress from the outside world are all time-honoured traditions of the ruling class.
Having now experienced these luxuries myself, I can't say I blame them. My 7oz filet mignon was worth pillaging at least one village for, and having my salad assembled right in front of me made me feel like a king indeed. That said, perhaps the best part of the meal was the cheese toast at the beginning - as simple as it sounds, and something of a house specialty, apparently. I guess we're all just humans after all. -
Review from food lover t.
7/25/2011
Waited for an hour to get seated. I thought the garlic breads was compliment, but we were charged $60 for 3 basket of garlic breads (wTF).
Other than that, my bone in steak was good.
wouldn't come back here, it wasn't worth the price. I had better steak than here. -
Review from Erik E.
11/6/2011
Very nice staff that accommodated my wife and I at an odd hour. Excellent food, we got a great wine recommendation, great service timing even from the daytime bartender!
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Review from Andrew L.
Port Moody, BC
10/24/2008 ROTD 5/20/2009
This is a classic, in Vancouver since about 1962 - it looks like an old boys club, with the dark lights, the dark wood, the big gold framed pictures of Dutch masters.
In the same 1962 vein, there were no concerns about cholesterol, or living well - martinis, cheese toast, great steaks, Caesar salad prepared table side, private rooms, watching the steaks cook behind the glass, seeing the old money side of Vancouver at night, and its one of the top ten power lunch spots in the city at lunch - swarmed with stockbrokers!
It all starts with the cheese toast - if you didn't have this, you weren't at Hy's!
The steaks are as good as it gets, AAA Canadian beef - with sauces like Peppercorn, Bernaise, Hollandaise (see, no worries about calories!), Gorgonzola toppings, and sides of mushrooms, asparagus, double stuffed potatoes.
Dessert sticks with the classics - cheesecake, creme brulee, bananas foster
You will be full and happy - that much is a guarantee - and will feel that you have been treated to a view of old world Vancouver - there is nothing brand new, nothing hip or modern - just old fashioned style and substance!Listed in: Top Vancouver Restaurants
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Review from Kate A.
Vancouver, BC
6/22/2011
My husband always told me how good the steak was at Hy's, and finally I got the chance to try it. I ordered Filet mignon ( medium rare) with double baked potato and asparagus. Everything is DELICIOUSSS! The steak has a slightly grilled outside and perfectly tender and jiucy inside. I enjoyed every bite of it. The asparagus is very well done too. It's obvious that Hy's uses fresh and high quality meat and vegetables which taste excellent on their own ( no need to put any source). I am a big steak lover, and I had the best piece of Filet mignon in my life at Hy's. Try to go at lunch time as it's cheaper.
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Review from Adam P.
Vancouver, BC
9/13/2010
The thing that sets Hy's apart is definitely the cheese bread. This secret (sacred?) recipe is to die for.
Aside from the cheese bread the all-round experience is pretty good. When I went I had the steak sampler. The ambiance of the restaurant could be described as a dark cool chamber. It's the sort of place you would have expected to walk into and be greeted with a plum of cigar smoke 20 years ago.
It's maintained that intimate coolness but in a more traditional setting.
It's definitely a step up from the Keg. Although I would peg it a bit lower than some of Vancouver's other steak houses (ex Gothom). -
Review from Raymond O.
Vancouver, BC
12/27/2009
What do Hy's, Gotham and The Keg have in common? They all belong to Mr. David Aisenstat, whose father is Hy Aisenstat, founder of...drum roll... Hy's Steakhouse.
Stepping into Hy's Encore will transport you back to your Grandfather's den. All wood interior reminiscent of a boat house or where the freemasons meet. The service is as old school as the place itself. And that's a good thing. Because from start to end, there was unpretentious dining experience.
How else can you begin at Hy's but to start but with the "Cheese Toast For Two" which seemingly looks simple, but tastes delicate with it's soft bread topped with a nice blend of cheeses. Oh, and you know this order is really enough for one.
I'll eat and appreciate any steak. But my number one love is the bone-in Rib Eye / Cowboy Rib Eye / Rib Steak / Scotch Fillet and however else it's named around the world as long it's perfectly marbled with it's meat and fat which results to a tender, juicy, moist and flavourful meal. Just cook mine medium and then charred, thank you.
It's everything I expected from a respectable steak house - aged beef that's lightly seasoned and perfectly cooked to order.
You have a choice of side potato dish from baked potato, french fries or cubed which they refer to as O'Brien.
They offer additional side dishes to complement your steak which I chose to try their Gorgonzola Macaroni and Cheese (creamy with a twist of sharpness in taste), Cauliflower Gratin (mostly creamy and lacks depth of flavour), and Thick Cut Beer Battered Onion Rings (crunchy batter paired with thick cuts of white onion).
I would have forgiven the tasteless cauliflower gratin dish and awarded five stars for the overall service and quality, but I was disappointed by the grand finale dessert choice which is my all-time favourite and one that I happily make at home - Bananas Foster. It was pricey since the dish is prepared by your table, but that's all the fanfare you'll ever get. You get one small banana paired with refrigerated crepe rolls that didn't taste fresh and obviously needed to thaw a bit more. It was less than special and frankly the worse Bananas Foster dish I ever had. Sadly enough.
But in the end, you know that their expertise and priority is first and foremost the quality of the steak. As I've come to know and taste, all other dishes come second. In any case, it truly deserves four stars in overall dining experience. -
Review from Chad T.
3/12/2010
Very nice atmosphere as soon as you walk in. I'm one of those guys that likes to eat a steak at the bar (especially when dining solo) but there is only table seating at Hy's. Kind of bizarre, and -1 for that.
Let me take this opportunity for a detour into the nomenclature of beef quality. Hy's has it across their menu that they use "Only AAA Alberta Beef". It sounds good, and I was wondering why I was wholly unimpressed with the quality of the porterhouse which was full of all kinds of connective tissue that my knife couldn't even cut through.
As it turns out, saying beef is "AAA" is about as meaningful as saying the USA's debt rating is "AAA". It isn't what you think it is. AAA beef is actually analogous with the "Choice" level of beef in the USA (the second level down). The highest level of steak in both countries is "Prime". And don't ever let someone in the states tell you that college wives tale about "Grade D beef that is only fit for convicts and college students". The four levels of beef in the states are Prime, Choice, Select, and Standard (Descending Order). -1 for having such a highly marketed steakhouse and not using the highest quality of beef.
Now that that rant is done, I'm here to tell you that Hy's caesar salad is made fresh table side and is absolutely tremendous. Combine this with the perfectly made creamed spinach and tremendous service, you get a +1 back.
I would probably come here again for a work dinner, staying away from the porterhouse and focusing on the filet. Give it a shot and see how it goes. -
Review from Gersham M.
Vancouver, BC
11/14/2009
Excellent food and service. The steak here is outstanding as it needs to be of course. Of note is the cheese toast. A tasty mixture of cheddar, swiss and parmesan with clarified butter on french bread (I asked the waiter), it's not to be missed and is certainly the unique signature of this restaurant. I've noted to try the caesar salad next time which is made near the table complete on a table top stove to prepare the anchovies and accompiants.
The atmosphere is a bit stuffy but I suppose it is an interesting diversion from the usual swanky Vancouver affair. Try the pecan pie for desert if you like pecans, it's quite excellent and a notch above the cheesecake or chocolate cake. -
Review from Hugh S.
West Vancouver, BC
9/24/2011
Note to Scott W. Hy's Encore was founded by Hy Aisenstat and is now run by his son David. Not a very Chinese name. :)
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Review from Natalie B.
Vancouver, BC
1/6/2011
On a rush, so have to give a shorter review.
Was planning a special dinner for my best friend, so I looked at the reviews here. 4.5 stars, must be a very good place. I booked a table for 4 at 7:00. We arrived at 6:55, the lady told us to wait cause the table was not ready yet. We stood there and waited till 7:30 and one of our friends was quite hungry, so we kindly asked them if the table is ready yet. That lady gave us a look and walked away, then she said the table is ready and walked us to the table. One thing is that between that whole half an hour, nobody walked out of the restaurant, so the table was empty. Then when we got seated, that lady dumped the menus on the table and said "Your menus!" and gave us a rude face. My birthday friend was quite mad at her attitude and asked to leave.
I didn't try their food but I think as a restaurant, service is also very important. The one star that I am giving is based on the service we got. Maybe their foods are good but there is no chance I will go back in again. -
Review from Alexandria M.
Vancouver, BC
12/16/2009
Hy's is the kind of posh joint that salespeople only half-jokingly brag about visiting. Classy old-fashioned decor with lots of cushy chairs, dark wood, and subdued lighting. The hostesses and servers were attentive and friendly, and service was quick considering how busy they were.
The food was good, but not good enough to justify the prices. A basic beef dip, for example, was $17. My coworker's very simple rice and shrimp dish was $20. And those are just lunch prices!
It's definitely worth stopping in for an after-work cocktail to relax and soak up the atmosphere. Then hit White Spot after. -
Review from Chuck N.
Vancouver, BC
12/20/2009
Very good cheese bread, decent porterhouse.
Washroom a little too small, main door too heavy.
Very old school, favourite steakhouse in town. -
Review from Howard T.
5/13/2011
Great food, good service, nothing bad to say :)
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Review from Sheila W.
BC
12/13/2008
If you're wondering what that smell is when you walk into Hy's, it's probably old school money! This place is a total ol' boys club with no apologies. The grey-haired diners know what the like (steak) and don't want any of the hype of these flashy, modern eateries.
If you go to Hy's, I insist that you order a Caesar salad to start. It is the best I have ever had. They bring out a cart and assemble it at your table, which is both entertaining, great service and the freshest way possible.
You can expect that the music will be low and the service will be efficient and professional. I've only ever been in here with my Dad, and I can't really imagine going in without someone over 50. -
Review from Dave M.
Vancouver, BC
3/15/2010
Without a question of a doubt my favourite steakhouse in Vancouver.
The food, service and decor are all amazing, if you fancy the best steak Vancouver has to offer Hy's Encore should be your first stop. -
Review from Lee N.
Vancouver, BC
11/1/2010
This restaurant exists because some people just have to have a great old school steak in a very old school room, if you want glitz with your meat go to Gotham if you want a waiter who has been there for 20 years and offers perfect service go to Hy's. Entering the dining room on a Saturday night at 8:00 is interesting with all the older crowd finishing up their meal, leaving at 10:00 and the room is empty is an odd sensation but this is the old school steak house in town. Take that Morton's ohh yea your gone.
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Review from Joscelyne Y.
Vancouver, BC
2/23/2011
I have had the good fortune to stumble onto this steakhouse in my late 20s. No more trying to guess where to have the very best steak when celebrating the very special moments in your life. This is the real deal.
Here's the catch - you need a decent server. Yes, Hy's old, statuesque glamour wrapped in candlelight and old money will bring you in... but the server will make the difference between a decent/ fantastic meal and an unforgettable experience (and yes, you want the unforgettable experience!).
I've gone there twice and swear I won't go back unless I have Tim as my server. There, now that I've said this, I reserve first dibs to Tim's tables because the secret is out. I have never met anyone as good at his job as he is - discreet, thoughtful, so knowledgeable and well-mannered. He knows what you need before you know you're asking.
I was on the verge of a cold the first time I was there, and he brought me a 'cold solution' that I didn't ask for, but he delivered. I was SO beyond grateful.
And what about the food? Delectable. Melt in your mouth goodness. Have you ever had a steak you could consider dessert, it was that good? Every bite is hea-ven!
They've been spot-on with appetizers, entrees and dessert both times I've gone, and this has truly become one special place in my heart for the special celebrations in my life! -
Review from Tim R.
8/26/2011
A Vancouver staple. Best steak - hands down. It is tough to get into though.
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Review from Darcy C.
11/28/2009
There is no possibility of complaint about the food here- the steaks were lovely and perfectly done, the cheese bread was every bit as insanely cheesy as promised and even cheesier than that, the Caesar was terrific, the cheesecake was divine.
And, the service was attentive and *very* amusing, but I would add the caveat- while this place looks old steakhouse money, and costs old steakhouse money, it was actually a lot more informal and -granted- fun- than your typical old steakhouse. Our waiter was a hoot, but my snooty old money grandma would have had a problem with him, is all I'm saying.
It was definitely a good time, I'll go again. -
Review from Christine R.
New Westminster, BC
3/28/2010 1 photo
A temple of money and meat, Hy's made my husband's birthday a very happy one. So that's all that really matters to me.
Listed in: Date Night
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Review from Peter H.
5/21/2011
very unassuming outside. it looks kinda like a castle but not a clearly delineated sign. inside feels very classy and stuffy. kinda like where the good ol' boys hang out. I had the cheesy bread which was addicted but very heavy. I ordered the 10oz ny strip which was cooked like I wanted it and seasoned well. It was typical steakhouse for me. Great service, well cooked meat but lacks pizzaz. That and I'm typically not a steak fan. Service was excellent btw
